Archbishop Elia of Helsinki and All Finland expressed sorrow and concern following the Russian strike that damaged the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and caused a major fire at one of Christianity’s most revered holy sites.
In a message posted on social media, Archbishop Elia reacted to reports of the attack on the centuries-old monastery complex, asking: “Russia has struck the Kyiv Cave Monastery. When will this senseless war end?”
The Archbishop accompanied his remarks with Christ’s words from the Gospel of Luke: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
His statement came after Russian missile attacks on Kyiv reportedly caused significant damage to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, including a fire on the grounds of the monastery. Ukrainian authorities and church representatives have condemned the strike, describing it as another attack on Ukraine’s cultural and religious heritage.
